I very nearly cried when I read this. It's exactly how I imagined Percy feeling after Fred's death. You wrote it so well... I could practically feel his sorrow. But it wasn't really sorrow. No, that isn't the right word for it. It has a bit of acceptance thrown in, too. It was perfect. I canít say anything else.

As I was getting ready to read this oneshot, I promised to myself one thing - that I wouldn't cry; I guess it's not the first time I've ever broken a promise to myself, though, because I was literally sobbing about halfway through it.
So I'm a big softie - but this is such a beautiful piece of work, I couldn't imagine how anyone could keep dry-eyed! So visual, and compassionate - so much like Percy! It faced up to many truths about his character, but also reminded me of one thing: how much I used to adore Percy! Up until the fourth book I thought he was hilarious, and these past few years I'd forgotten that - not that this oneshot is humourous, or anything, it just seemed to hit home for me.
You're an incredibly talented author! Wow, you've got a huge amount of talent :)
Makes me feel very small and unimportant - but also is inspiring me to write something as wonderful as this! I doubt I ever will be able to write ANYTHING up to this level, but...I suppose, it's inspiring me to try my best.
Cheers!

I'm crying so much right now. This is beautiful, it's genius. I can barely type, I'm crying so hard right now.
This is a work of art, I'm so thankful that I've read it.
The best fanfiction I have ever read. Ever. Bittersweet, in character, memorable - it ticks all the boxes.
I miss Fred so much.
Well done. You're a gifted writer.

*sniff* What a beautiful eulogy for Fred. You know, I don't really read stories written in the second-person, and even too many references to "you"--such as in this story--irritates me usually. It didn't here, though. I felt like I was being granted the honor to listen in on a very private, intimate conversation.

I didn't quite feel the emotions myself, so I'm not sure I would describe this as an absolutely wrenching story. However, Percy's pain was broadcast loud and clear, so this obviously was wretched for him.

It was Fred who was the first to shake his hand or hug him or whatever in the Room of Requirement, wasn't it? (Maybe George. But I think Fred.) So in a way, Fred was the first to officially welcome him back into the family. And then he dies. I wonder if Percy ever felt he'd taken Fred's place in the family when he came back, if he felt that the Weasley family size had already shrunken to eight, and when he came back, someone else had to go to make room for him.

Ah, well, now I'm speculating a bit beyond the bounds of your story. It was beautifully written, though very heavy and sad. :-(

Author's Response: You know, I got a little worried when I realized you were reviewing my old stories, because there are a few of my older fics that I'm really not that proud of - I think I've improved quite a bit over the past year. But this story is one that I still like, and it still holds a special place in my heart, so I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it!

I'm a bit wary of second person as well. I think I'd like to try writing in true second person someday - I've done a few stories like this, where it seems like second person but is actually a character speaking in the first person and addressing another character, but I'd like to try my hand at second person just to see how it works out. It would probably be rubbish, but you can't sink all your shots, can you? :-)

I see what you mean, about you as the reader not really getting the full force of the emotions. That said, I really jumped for joy when I read that you felt you were listening in on an intimate conversation - that's exactly what I was going for. I really wanted it to be about Percy's emotions (not least of all, to prove that he actually has them!!)

I grabbed my copy of DH and looked it up, and, by golly, it was Fred who shook Percy's hand first (after calling him a "Ministry-loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron"). I'm sure JKR must have done that intentionally. It's actually interesting - having re-read the books a couple of times, I've come to the conclusion that Fred was what is often called the "dominant twin." So that might have something to do with him being the first to welcome Percy back as well.

I think you make an interesting point, about how Percy might have looked at the family as having already shrunk to 8. I imagine he must have felt quite awkward, trying to figure out how to fit himself back into the family dynamic. You've really got the wheels turning in my head now! You make a poignant observation.

Wahhh! Oh, I feel like crying! Percy the prick can be sensitive and lovely, and I know that's really you as a brilliant author coming through, but still! WHY did he have to die? I loved him! It's not fair!
OH, am now so very far into the throes of unhappiness...but a wonderful story nonetheless. Thanks so much!

Author's Response: Percy CAN be sensitive and lovely!! I should make it my mission to prove this to the world! XD

Ohmygryffindor, I'm crying do hard now!
This is one of the most heartbreaking things I've read on here, but I loved it...!
Percy, oh Percy, I used to hate him, but seeing his changed his demeanor after Fred died, I really felt sorry for him.
I am NEVER going to forgive JKR for killing him off! EVER!!!
*cries harder*
Anyway, this was lovely, you really got into Percy's character, and it was--breathtaking, almost,--to read.

15/10

Author's Response: Thanks for the amazing review! I really adore Percy - he irritated me, but I never hated him. I can identify with him in a lot of ways, and I really wanted to give him (and myself) some closure on this issue.

Omgosh, what an amazing job you did on this story. It was so powerful, I'm almost crying right now. Fred was without a doubt the hardest death in the whole series for me and this story did a good job of reminding me why I loved him so much. What a good idea to write from Percy's point of view, it made it very meaningful. Wow, just wow.

Author's Response: Fred's death was definitely a difficult one - writing this was a good way for me to deal with it (and give Percy some closure - he is one of my favorite characters).

Okay, so I admit without shame that Fred and George are my favorites, hands down, with the rest of the Weasleys coming in right behind them. And while I may understand on an intelectual level why JKR killed Fred, I will probably never, ever forgive her for it.

Fred's death struck me like blow, a real loss, not just someone made up in a book dying, but like losing a real friend. It still hurts. But stories like this one help that.

What a wonderful, wonderful story! And I'm so glad you used Percy to tell it. I never hated Percy. Always thought he'd come around, and I love how you have him realizing that sometimes you don't know what you do have until it's gone.

Well done! Thanks for sharing.

Author's Response: Thanks for the wonderful review! Writing this was sort of a way for me to find closure. I love Percy and always thought he redeemed himself, but at a terrible price.

That does it! You are now one of my favorite authors. This piece really shows how well rounded you are and is a great extension of the writing of J.K. herself. Some of her best writing came when Percy and Fred were interacting during the last battle. When Fred suddenly dies you feel the true scope of what war really does. This reflection on that gives us even more. Well done!

Author's Response: Well thank you very much!! I agree, that scene was very vivid and heartwrenching.